Accessories for oscillating power tools

ABSTRACT

An accessory for coupling to an oscillating power tool includes a working end portion and an attachment portion. The working end portion defines and extends along a working axis. The attachment portion is coupled to the working end portion and includes a top wall, a bottom wall spaced apart from the top wall, and a peripheral wall extending from the top wall to the bottom wall at least partially around the top wall to form at least a portion of a polygonal shape. A generally U-shaped opening is defined in the top wall, extends along an attachment axis at an angle to the working axis, has a central portion at a center of the attachment portion, and is open to a gap in the peripheral wall. A plurality of radial openings is defined in the top wall and arranged between the U-shaped opening and the peripheral wall. The peripheral wall, the U-shaped opening, and the plurality of radial openings are configured to couple the attachment portion to at least two different configurations of accessory attachment mechanisms on different oscillating power tools.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/406,940, filed Jan. 16, 2017,titled “Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools,” which is incorporatedby reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to accessories (such as cutting tools, sawblades, and sanding tools) for oscillating power tools.

BACKGROUND

Oscillating power tools generally have a motor, an output shaft, and atransmission that connects the motor to the output shaft and convertsrotary motion of the motor to oscillating motion of the output shaft.The output shaft is coupled to an accessory attachment mechanism that isused to removably attach various types of accessories, such as cuttingtools, saw blades, and sanding tools, to the output shaft. Differentbrands of oscillating power tools tend to have different, oftenproprietary, accessory attachment mechanisms. It is desirable to haveoscillating accessories with an attachment portion that can be attachedto a multitude of different brands of oscillating power tools.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, an accessory for coupling to an attachment mechanism of anoscillating power tool includes a working end portion and an attachmentportion. The working end portion defines and extends along a workingaxis and configured to perform an operation on a workpiece. Theattachment portion is coupled to the working end portion and includes atop wall, a bottom wall spaced apart from the top wall, and a peripheralwall extending from the top wall to the bottom wall at least partiallyaround the top wall to form at least a portion of a polygonal shape. Agenerally U-shaped opening is defined in the top wall, extends along anattachment axis at an angle to the working axis, has a central portionat a center of the attachment portion, and is open to a gap in theperipheral wall. A plurality of radial openings is defined in the topwall and arranged between the U-shaped opening and the peripheral wall.The peripheral wall, the U-shaped opening, and the plurality of radialopenings are configured to couple the attachment portion to at least twodifferent configurations of accessory attachment mechanisms on differentbrands of oscillating power tools.

Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the followingfeatures. The working end portion may include at least one of a cuttingedge, a saw blade, a sanding surface, and an abrading surface. Each ofthe radial openings may extend in a direction radially outward from thecentral portion. The radial openings may be spaced equiangularly in acircumferential direction around the central portion. The radialopenings may include a first plurality of radial openings incommunication with the central portion of the U-shaped opening and asecond plurality of radial openings not in communication with theU-shaped opening. The first plurality of radial openings may include afirst radial arm slot extending from the central portion along theworking axis, a second radial arm slot extending from the centralopening at approximately 90° from the working axis, and a third radialarm slot extending from the central opening at approximately 180° fromthe working axis. The second plurality of radial openings may include afirst pair of radial openings spaced radially from the central portionand between the first and second radial arm slots, and a second pair ofradial openings spaced radially from the central portion and between thesecond and third radial arm slots. The first pair of radial openings maybe at angles of approximately 30 degrees and approximately 60 degrees tothe working axis, and the second pair of radial openings may be atangles of approximately 120 degrees and approximately 150 degrees to theworking axis. The second plurality of openings may further include athird pair of radial openings spaced radially from the central portionbetween the first radial arm slot and the U-shaped opening. The thirdpair of radial openings may be at angles of approximately 30 degrees andapproximately 60 degrees to the working axis.

The attachment axis may be at an obtuse angle (e.g., betweenapproximately 120 degrees and approximately 150 degrees) to the workingaxis. The peripheral wall may include a plurality of sidewalls that formthe portion of the polygonal shape. The plurality of sidewalls may format least a portion of a star shape, with adjacent sidewalls joined toform outer vertices and inner vertices of the portion of the star shape.Each of outer vertices may be aligned with one of the radial openings.The portion of the star shape may comprise a portion of a 12-pointedstar. For example, the sidewalls may define at least 7 outer vertices ofthe portion of the 12-pointed star. Each sidewall may be inclined inwardfrom the bottom wall toward the top wall at an angle, or may besubstantially perpendicular to the top wall and to the bottom wall. TheU-shaped opening may include a pair of opposing chamfers taperingoutward from each other to the gap.

The angle of the attachment axis may be arranged so that an oscillatingpower tool having two opposed legs that expand along a power tool axisto engage an oscillating accessory will both engage the at least aportion of the top wall when the working axis of the accessory isaligned with and perpendicular to the tool housing axis. For example,the attachment axis may be at an angle of approximately 120° toapproximately 150° to the tool axis.

In another aspect, an accessory is configured to be coupled to a firstattachment mechanism of a first oscillating power tool that includes acentral projection and plurality of circumferentially spaced projectionsradially outward from the central projection, and configured to becoupled to a second attachment mechanism of a second oscillating powertool having two opposed legs that are radially expandable along a toolaxis and a circumferential wall having an internal polygonal shape. Theaccessory includes a working portion and an attachment portion coupledto the working portion. The working portion defines and extends along aworking axis and is configured to perform an operation on a workpiece.The attachment portion includes: (a) a top wall; (b) a bottom wallspaced apart from the bottom wall; (c) a peripheral wall extendingbetween the top wall and the bottom wall and at least partially aroundthe top wall to form at least a portion a polygonal shape thatcorresponds to the polygonal shape of the second attachment mechanism;(c) a generally U-shaped opening defined in the top wall, the U-shapedopening extending along an attachment axis at an obtuse angle to theworking axis, having a central portion at a center of the attachmentportion, and open to a gap in the peripheral wall; and (d) a pluralityof radial openings defined in the top wall and arranged between theU-shaped opening and the peripheral wall. The obtuse angle and theradial openings are arranged so that the U-shaped opening receives thecentral projection and at least a portion of the radial openings receiveat least a portion of the projections when the attachment portion iscoupled to the first oscillating power tool. The obtuse angle and theperipheral wall are arranged so that both of the opposed legs of thesecond oscillating power tool engage at least a portion of the top walland the circumferential wall engages the peripheral wall when theattachment portion is retained in the second oscillating power tool withthe working axis aligned with or perpendicular to the tool axis.

Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the followingfeatures. The working end portion may include at least one of a cuttingedge, a saw blade, a sanding surface, and an abrading surface. Each ofthe radial openings may extend in a direction radially outward from thecentral portion. The radial openings may be spaced equiangularly in acircumferential direction around the central portion. The radialopenings may include a first plurality of radial openings incommunication with the central portion of the U-shaped opening and asecond plurality of radial openings not in communication with theU-shaped opening. The first plurality of radial openings may include afirst radial arm slot extending from the central portion along theworking axis, a second radial arm slot extending from the centralopening at approximately 90° from the working axis, and a third radialarm slot extending from the central opening at approximately 180° fromthe working axis. The second plurality of radial openings may include afirst pair of radial openings spaced radially from the central portionand between the first and second radial arm slots, and a second pair ofradial openings spaced radially from the central portion and between thesecond and third radial arm slots. The first pair of radial openings maybe at angles of approximately 30 degrees and approximately 60 degrees tothe working axis, and the second pair of radial openings may be atangles of approximately 120 degrees and approximately 150 degrees to theworking axis. The second plurality of openings may further include athird pair of radial openings spaced radially from the central portionbetween the first radial arm slot and the U-shaped opening. The thirdpair of radial openings may be at angles of approximately 30 degrees andapproximately 60 degrees to the working axis.

The obtuse angle may be between approximately 120 degrees andapproximately 150 degrees. The peripheral wall may include a pluralityof sidewalls that form the portion of the polygonal shape. The pluralityof sidewalls may form at least a portion of a star shape, with adjacentsidewalls joined to form outer vertices and inner vertices of theportion of the star shape. Each of outer vertices may be aligned withone of the radial openings. The portion of the star shape may comprise aportion of a 12-pointed star. For example, the sidewalls may define atleast 7 outer vertices of the portion of the 12-pointed star. Eachsidewall may be inclined inward from the bottom wall toward the top wallat an angle, or may be substantially perpendicular to the top wall andto the bottom wall. The U-shaped opening may include a pair of opposingchamfers tapering outward from each other to the gap. The U-shapedopening and the plurality of radial openings may be arranged so that theattachment portion can be coupled to a third attachment mechanism of athird oscillating power tool

Advantages may include one or more of the following. The accessory maybe coupled to a wide array of brands of oscillating power tools withadequate retention. These and other advantages and features will beapparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view an oscillating power tool having anembodiment of an accessory attachment mechanism.

FIG. 1B a perspective view of a clamping plate of the attachmentmechanism of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another embodiment of an attachmentmechanism for an oscillating power tool.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the attachment mechanism of FIG.2A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of another embodiment of an attachmentmechanism for an oscillating power tool.

FIG. 3B is a top view of a clamping plate of the attachment mechanism ofFIG. 3B.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment of an attachmentmechanism for an oscillating power tool.

FIG. 4B is a top view of a clamping plate of the attachment mechanism ofFIG. 4B.

FIGS. 5A-5H are schematic views of several embodiments of attachmentmechanisms for oscillating power tools.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an accessory inaccordance with the present application.

FIG. 6B is a top view of the accessory of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a side view partially in section of the accessory of FIG. 6B,taken along line 6B-6B.

FIG. 6D is a close up top view of the attachment mechanism of theaccessory of FIG. 6A.

FIGS. 7A-7H are schematic views showing coupling of the accessory ofFIGS. 6A-6D to the attachment mechanisms for oscillating power tools ofFIGS. 5A-5H.

FIGS. 8A-8C are schematic views showing coupling of the accessory ofFIGS. 6A-6D in several rotational positions to the attachment mechanismof the oscillating power tool of FIGS. 2A-2B and 5H.

FIG. 9 is a top view of another embodiment of an accessory in accordancewith the present application.

FIG. 10 is a top view of another embodiment of an accessory inaccordance with the present application.

FIG. 11 is a top view of another embodiment of an accessory inaccordance with the present application.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective and side views of another embodimentof an accessory in accordance with the present application.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective and side views of another embodimentof an accessory in accordance with the present application.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are perspective and side views of another embodimentof an accessory in accordance with the present application.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective and side views of another embodimentof an accessory in accordance with the present application.

In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in an embodiment, an oscillating powertool 12 usable with the accessories described in this application issimilar to oscillating power tools sold under the brand names DEWALT®and Porter-Cable® and is described further in U.S. Pat. No. 8,925,931,which is hereby incorporated by reference. The power tool 12 includes atool body 18 including a housing 20 that contains a motor 22 to drive anoutput member 24. An output spindle 26 is coupled to the motor 22 via atransmission 25 that converts rotary motion of the motor 22 tooscillating motion of the spindle 26. The output of the spindle 26 iscoupled to an accessory attachment mechanism 10 via an output shaft 102.

The accessory attachment mechanism 10 does not require the use of aseparate tool to couple an accessory or blade 14 a to the oscillatingpower tool (also known as a “tool-free” attachment mechanism). Anexemplary tool-free attachment mechanism 10 includes a clamp assembly 30having a first clamp member 36 fixedly coupled to the output spindle, asecond clamp member 38 facing the first clamp member 36, and a lever 32coupled to the second clamp member 38. The lever 32 includes a lever arm40 with a user engagement portion 42 and a block 44. The lever 32further includes a pivot portion 46 having a pivot axle 48. The secondclamp member 38 includes a second clamp body 70 generally in the form ofa ring having a central opening 72. The second clamp body 70 has asecond clamping surface 74 having a plurality of mounting features 76formed thereon. In the example shown, the plurality of mounting features76 are in the form of male projections 78. In the particular exampleshown, the eight male projections 78 each have a circular cross sectionand a tapered shape or form. In another related embodiment, as shown inFIG. 5B, the male projections may have an oblong, oval, or rectangularcross-section and may also be tapered.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in another embodiment, an oscillatingpower tool 112 usable with the accessories described in this applicationis similar to oscillating power tools sold under the brand nameStarlock® and is described further in U.S. Patent App. Pub. Nos.2016/0288288, 2016/0199919, and 2016/0184956, which are herebyincorporated by reference. The power tool 112 includes a tool body 118including a housing 120 that defines a tool housing axis X. The housing120 contains a motor (not shown, similar to motor 22) to drive an outputmember (not shown, similar to output member 24). An output spindle 126is coupled to the motor via a transmission (not shown, similar totransmission 25) that converts rotary motion of the motor to oscillatingmotion of the spindle 126 extending along a driving axis 102. The outputof the spindle 126 is coupled to an accessory attachment mechanism 110.

The accessory attachment mechanism 110 includes a holding device 104that includes radially moveable first and second hook devices or opposedlegs 104 a, 104 b. The legs 104 a, 104 b b can be moved radially outwardalong a direction parallel to the tool axis to engage a central openingin an oscillating accessory. The attachment mechanism 110 also includesa torque transmission region 109 having a top planar wall 111 and aperipheral wall 113 with a plurality of sidewalls 109 a, each extendingoutward from the top wall 111 at an angle ϕ (e.g., an acute angle, suchas approximately 20° to 22°). Adjacent sidewalls 109 a are angledrelative to one another with adjacent sidewalls joined at outer vertices115 a and inner vertices 115 b to form a star shape (e.g., a 12-pointstar). In the illustrated embodiment, the outer vertices 115 a of thestar shape are positioned every 30° about the periphery of theperipheral wall 113. The torque transmission region 109 is configured toengage a corresponding peripheral wall of an oscillating accessory.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in another embodiment, an oscillatingpower tool 200 usable with the accessories described in this applicationis similar to oscillating power tools sold by Bosch® and is describedfurther in U.S. Pat. No. 8,151,679, which is hereby incorporated byreference. The oscillating power tool 200 includes an accessoryattachment mechanism 210 that requires the use of a separate tool suchas a screwdriver or wrench to couple a blade 214 to the oscillatingpower tool. Such an exemplary accessory attachment mechanism 210includes a clamping face 218 that is fixedly attached to an outputspindle 220 to oscillate with the spindle 220, and a threaded bolt 242that can be removably received (using a separate tool) in a threadedbore (not shown) in the spindle 220 and/or in the clamping face 218. Theaccessory attachment mechanism 210 may optionally include a washer 224received between the head of the bolt 242 and the clamping face 218. Theclamping face 218 includes a plurality of mounting features orform-locking elements in the form of radial lugs or projections 212configured to engage with a plurality of corresponding recesses oropenings 212′ in an oscillating blade or accessory 214. The lugs orprojections 212′ may have a trapezoidal shape or cross-section. Tocouple an oscillating blade 214 to the oscillating power tool, the bolt242 and washer 224 are removed from the threaded bore, the oscillatingblade 214 has its recesses or openings 212′ aligned with the projections212 on the clamping face 218, and the bolt 242 and washer 224 arereattached to the threaded bore to hold the oscillating blade 214between the bolt 242 and the clamping face 218. The oscillating blade214 can be removed by removing the bolt 242 and/or washer 224 from thethreaded bore.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in another embodiment, an oscillatingpower tool 310 usable with the accessories described in this applicationis similar to oscillating power tools sold by Fein® and is describedfurther in U.S. Pat. No. 6,796,888, which is hereby incorporated byreference. The oscillating power tool 310 includes an accessoryattachment mechanism 312 that requires the use of a separate tool suchas a screwdriver or wrench to couple a blade to the oscillating powertool. Such an exemplary accessory attachment mechanism 312 includes aclamping face 322 that is fixedly attached to an output spindle 316extending along an output axis 318. The clamping face 322 is configuredto oscillate with the spindle 316, and a threaded bolt 330 that can beremovably received (using a separate tool) in a threaded bore (notshown) in the spindle 316 and/or in the clamping face 322. The clampingface 322 includes a plurality of mounting features in the form of radialprojections 328 configured to engage with a plurality of correspondingrecesses or openings in an oscillating blade or accessory. Theprojections 328 each may have rounded tips or bulges 326 and may bejoined by curved edges 327. To couple an oscillating accessory to theoscillating power tool, the bolt 330 are removed from the threaded bore,the oscillating accessory has its recesses or openings aligned with theprojections 328, and the bolt 330 is reattached to the threaded bore tohold the oscillating accessory between the bolt 330 and the clampingface 322. The oscillating accessory can be removed by removing the bolt330 from the threaded bore.

FIGS. 5A-5F, common accessory attachment mounting features for variousdifferent brands of oscillating power tools are illustrated (both thetool and tool-free types). In one aspect, this application disclosesembodiments of oscillating accessories that adaptable to be coupled tothe accessory attachment mechanisms on more than one of these differenttypes of mounting features.

For example, FIG. 5A illustrates a projection pattern on the clampingface 70 of Porter-Cable® branded oscillating power tools, as illustratedabove in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The projection pattern includes eight roundprojections 78 a-78 h arranged clockwise about a central opening 72 atangles of 0, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 270, and 300 degrees, respectively,relative to an imaginary vertical line 74 extending from the centralhole 72. FIG. 5B illustrates a projection pattern on a clamping face 70′of DEWALT® branded oscillating power tools. The projection patternincludes eight oblong or rectangular projections 78 a′-78 h′ arrangedclockwise about a central opening 72′ at angles of 0, 60, 90, 120, 180,240, 270, and 300 degrees, respectively, relative to an imaginaryvertical line 74′ extending from the central hole 72′. FIG. 5Cillustrates a projection pattern on a clamping face 400 of Mastercraft®branded oscillating power tools (e.g., the Mastercraft® 054-1266-4oscillating tool), which includes four round projections 400 a-400 darranged clockwise about a central circular projection 402 at angles of0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees, respectively, relative to an imaginaryvertical line 404 extending from the central projection 402 through theprojection 400 a. FIG. 5D illustrates a projection pattern on a clampingface 218 of Dremel®, Bosch®, Milwaukee®, and Skil® branded oscillatingpower tools (e.g., the Dremel® Multi-Max MM-20 oscillating tool, theBosch® MX25EC-21 Multi-X oscillating tool, the Milwaukee® 2426-22oscillating tool, and the Skil® 1400-02 oscillating tool) similar to theBosch® branded products disclosed above in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Thisprojection pattern includes twelve trapezoidal or oblong projections 212a-212 l arranged clockwise every 30 degrees about a central opening 220,relative to an imaginary vertical line 204 extending from the centralopening 220 through projection 212 a.

FIG. 5E illustrates a projection pattern on a clamping face 322 of Fein®branded oscillating power tools (e.g., the Fein® FMM-250 oscillatingtool) similar to the Fein® products disclosed above in FIGS. 4A and 4B.This pattern includes a central, circular projection 327, and fourradial projections 328 a-328 d extending radially outward from thecentral projection 327 clockwise at angles of 0, 90, 180, and 270degrees, respectively, relative to an imaginary vertical line 304extending from the central projection 327 through projection 328 a. FIG.5F illustrates a projection pattern on a clamping face 500 of Craftsman®branded oscillating power tools (e.g., the Craftsman® 2702 oscillatingtool), which includes a four radial projections 500 a-500 d extendingradially outward, and arranged clockwise about a central point 502 atangles of 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees, respectively, relative to animaginary vertical line 504 extending from the central point 502 throughthe radial projection 500 a. FIG. 5G illustrates a projection pattern ona clamping face 600 of Ridgid® branded oscillating power tools (e.g.,the Ridgid® R26800 oscillating tool), which includes a central, circularprojection 602, and four radial projections 600 a-600 d extendingradially outward from the central projection 602 clockwise at angles of0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees, respectively, relative to an imaginaryvertical line 604 extending from the central projection 602 through theradial projection 600 a. FIG. 5H illustrates a projection pattern onStarlock® branded oscillating power tools similar to the Starlock®products disclosed above in FIGS. 2A and 2B. This pattern includes tworadially expandable central legs 104 a, 104 b that move radially outwardalong a line L that is parallel to the tool axis. The pattern alsoincludes a peripheral wall 113 with a plurality of sidewalls 109 a thattogether define a star shape (e.g., a 12-point star with outer vertices115 a positioned every 30 degrees about the peripheral wall 113).

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6F, an embodiment of an oscillating accessory 700according to the present application includes a working end portion 702and an attachment portion 704. The working end portion 702 defines andextends along a working end axis W and is configured to perform anoperation on a workpiece. The working end portion comprises a workingend 701 that may comprise, e.g., one or more of a cutting edge, a sawblade, a sanding surface, or an abrading surface.

The attachment portion 704 is coupled to a rear end portion 703 of theworking end portion 702 and is configured to be coupled to all of thedifferent configurations of accessory attachment mechanisms on thebrands of oscillating power tools described above. The attachmentportion 704 includes a top planar wall 706 and a bottom planar wall 708that are generally parallel to and offset from each other and from theworking end portion 702. A peripheral wall 710 extends at leastpartially around the attachment portion between the top wall 706 and thebottom wall 708 and that has at least a portion of a polygonal shape.For example, the peripheral wall 710 includes a plurality of sidewalls712, each inclined inward from the bottom wall 708 toward the top wall706 at an angle a (e.g., an acute angle, such as approximately 20° to22°) so that the bottom wall 708 is disposed radially outward from thetop wall 706. Adjacent sidewalls 712 are also angled relative to oneanother with adjacent sidewalls joined at outer vertices 714 and innervertices 716 to form the portion of a star shape. In an embodiment,adjacent sidewalls 712 are angled to each other by alternating inwardangles βi (e.g., an obtuse angle, such as approximately 149° to 151°)and outward angles βo (e.g., an obtuse angle, such as approximately 119°to 121°) and form a portion (e.g., at least 7 points or 9 points) of a12 point star shape.

The top wall 706 defines a generally U-shaped opening 720 extendingalong an attachment portion axis A that is at an angle θ to the workingend axis W (e.g., an obtuse angle such as approximately 120° to 150°).The U-shaped opening 720 and its angle θ relative to the working endaxis W is a critical feature of the oscillating accessory for reasonsthat will become apparent below. The U-shaped opening 720 has asemi-circular central portion 720 bounded by a curved edge 721 at acenter C of the attachment portion 704. The U-shaped opening 720 alsohas a posterior portion 724 extending from the central portion 722 alongthe attachment portion axis A bounded by straight parallel edges 723 andby radial outward chamfers 725 a, 725 b and open to a gap 726 in the topwall 706 and a gap 727 in the peripheral wall 712 and the bottom wall708. It should be noted that the gap 726 in the top wall 706 has a firstwidth w1 that is smaller than a second width 22 of the gap 727 in theperipheral wall 712 and the bottom wall 708. The larger width w2 of thegap 727 in the peripheral wall 712 enables clamping bolts of theaforementioned oscillating power tools to be inserted beneath the topwall 706 without removing the clamping bolt from the oscillating powertool, while the smaller width w1 of the gap 726 in the top wall 706enables a larger surface area of the top wall 706 to engage theprojection pattern on the clamping face of the oscillating power tool.

The top wall 706 also defines a plurality of a radial openings 730arranged between the U-shaped opening 720 and the peripheral wall 710,each extending in a direction radially outward from the center C of thecentral portion 722. The plurality of radial openings 730 include afirst plurality of radial openings that include three radial arm slots732 a-732 c. The radial arm slots 732 a-732 c are in communication withand extend radially outward from the central portion 722 of the U-shapedopening 720. The radial arm slots 732 a-732 c are positioned atapproximately 0°, 90°, and 180°, respectively, in a counterclockwisedirection relative to the working end axis W. If, as shown in thedrawings, the attachment portion axis A is at an angle θ ofapproximately 150° to the working end axis W, then the radial arm slots732 a-732 c are at approximately 120°, 210°, and 330°, respectively, ina counterclockwise direction from the attachment portion axis A. Moregenerally, it can be said that all of the radial arm slots 732 a-732 care either parallel to or perpendicular to the working tool axis W, andare all non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the attachment axis A. Eachradial arm slot 732 a-732 c has a pair of straight, parallel side edges733 a joined by a curved outer edge 733 b to form a generally oblongshape. However, the radial arm slots can have other configurations suchas rectangular or partially oval.

The plurality of radial openings 730 also include a second plurality ofradial openings that include a first pair of radial openings 734 a, 734b spaced radially from the central portion 722 and between the first andsecond radial arm slots 732 a, 732 b, a second pair of radial openings734 c, 734 d spaced radially from the central portion 722 and betweenthe second and third radial arm slots 732 b, 732 c, and a third pair ofradial openings 734 e, 734 f spaced radially from the central portion722 and between the U-shaped opening 720 and the first radial arm slot732 a. The radial openings 734 a-734 f are positioned at approximately30°, 60°, 120°, 150°, 300°, and 330°, respectively, in acounterclockwise direction CCW relative to the working end axis W. If,as shown in the drawings, the attachment portion axis A is at an angle θof approximately 120° to the working end axis W, then the secondplurality of radial openings 734 a-734 f are at approximately 150°,180°, 240°, 270°, 60°, and 90°, respectively, in a counterclockwisedirection CCW from the attachment portion axis A. More generally, it canbe said that all of the second plurality of radial openings 734 a-734 fare all non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the working axis W. Each ofthe second plurality of radial openings 734 a-734 f has a pair ofstraight parallel side edges 735 a joined by a curved outer edge 735 band a straight inner edge 735 c to form a generally oblong shape.However, the second plurality of radial openings may have a differentconfiguration such as rectangular, round, or oval.

The chamfered edges 725 a, 725 b extend outward from the posteriorportion 724 of the U-shaped opening 720 in radial directions from thecenter C of the central portion 722. Each chamfered edge 725 a, 725 bextends in a direction in which a radial opening in the top wall 706would extend if the top wall 706 did not have the gap 726. Chamferededge 725 a extends in a direction in which another of the secondplurality of radial openings would extend, e.g., at an angle ofapproximately 210° in a counterclockwise direction CCW relative to theworking end axis W. Chamfered edge 725 b extends in a direction in whichanother radial arm slot would extend, e.g., at an angle of approximately270° in a counterclockwise direction CCW relative to the working endaxis W. If, as shown in the drawings, the attachment portion axis A isat an angle θ of approximately 150° to the working end axis W, then thechamfers 725 a, 725 b are at approximately 300° and 30°, respectively,in a counterclockwise direction CCW from the attachment portion axis A.

FIGS. 7A-7H schematically illustrate how the attachment portion 704 ofthe accessory 700 is coupled to the clamping mechanisms of the powertools shown in FIGS. 5A-5H with the working end axis W aligned with thepower tool housing axis X. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when theaccessory 700 is coupled to a Porter-Cable® or a DEWALT® branded powertool, the central portion 722 of the U-shaped opening 720 receives thesupport post 72, 72′ of the power tool, the first set of radial armslots 732 a, 734 b, 734 c receive the projections 78 a, 78 g, 78 e, 78a′, 78 g′, 78 e′, the second radial openings 734 b, 734 c, 734 e,receive the projections 78 h, 78 f, 78 b, 78 h′, 78 f′, 78 b′, and thechamfer 725 b provides clearance for and abuts the projections 78 c, 78c′. As shown in FIG. 7C, when the accessory 700 is coupled to aMastercraft® branded power tool, the central portion 722 of the U-shapedopening 720 receives the central projection 402 of the power tool, thefirst set of radial arm slots 732 a, 732 b, 732 c receive the roundprojections 400 a, 400 d, 400 c of the power tool, and the chamfer 725 bprovides clearance for and abuts the round projection 400 b.

As shown in FIG. 7D, when the accessory 700 is coupled to a Dremel®,Bosch®, Milwaukee®, or Skil® branded oscillating power tools, thecentral portion 722 of the U-shaped opening 720 receives the centralprojection 220 of the power tool, the radial arm slots 732 a-732 c andthe second radial openings 734 a-734 f together receive the oblong ortrapezoidal projections 212 a-212 c and 212 g-212 l, and the chamfers725 a, 725 b provide clearance for and abut projections 212 d, 212 f. Asshown in FIG. 7E, when the accessory is coupled to a Fein® brandedoscillating power tool, the central portion 722 of the U-shaped opening720 receives the central projection 327, the first set of radial armslots 732 a, 732 b, 732 c receive the radial projections 328 a, 328 c,328 d, and the chamfer 725 b provides clearance for and abuts the radialprojection 328 b. As shown in FIG. 7F, when the accessory is coupled toa Craftsman® branded oscillating power tool, the first set of radial armslots 732 a, 732 b, 732 c receive the radial projections 500 a, 500 c,500 d, and the chamfer 725 b provides clearance for and abuts the radialprojection 500 b. As shown in FIG. 7G, when the accessory is coupled toa Ridgid® branded oscillating power tool, the central portion 722 of theU-shaped opening 720 receives the central projection 602, the first setof radial arm slots 732 a, 732 b, 732 c receive the radial projections600 a, 600 c, 600 d, and the chamfer 725 b provides clearance for andabuts the radial projection 600 b.

As shown in FIG. 7H, when the accessory 700 is coupled to a Starlock®branded oscillating power tool, the central portion 722 of the U-shapedopening receives the radially expandable legs 104 a, 104 b of the powertool with each of the legs 104 a, 104 b engaging at least a portion ofthe top wall 706 of the accessory 700 when the legs 104 a, 104 b areexpanded. In addition, the at least partially star-shaped peripheralwall 710 of the accessory is received in the star-shaped peripheral wall113 of the power tool with a majority of the sidewalls 712, outervertices 714, and inner vertices 716 of the accessory 700 engaging thesidewalls 109 a, outer vertices 115 a, and inner vertices 115 b of thepower tool.

FIGS. 7A-7H illustrate that the accessory 700 is universal insofar as itcan be coupled to virtually all major existing brands of oscillatingpower tools. FIGS. 7A-7H show the accessory 700 being coupled to theoscillating power tools with the working end axis W of the accessorygenerally aligned with or parallel to the axis X of the power toolhousing. However, it will be understood to one of ordinary skill in theart that the accessory 700 may be rotated and coupled to the power toolsso that the working end axis W is at various other angles relative tothe power tool axis X. The power tools shown in FIGS. 7A-7D and 7Henable the accessory 700 to be coupled to the power tool at 30°increments, while the power tools shown in FIGS. 7E-7G enable theaccessory 700 to be coupled to the power tool at 90° increments relativeto the tool housing axis X.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-8C, when being coupled to the Starlock® brandedoscillating power tools shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, 5H, and 7H, the angle ofthe attachment axis A of the U-shaped slot 720 relative to the workingaxis W is a critical feature of the accessory 700. Through extensiveresearch, the inventors determined that oscillating power toolaccessories are most often used (e.g., approximately 90% of the time)with the working axis W aligned or parallel with the tool housing axis Xor perpendicular to the tool housing axis X, with the aligned orparallel position being the most common of these three positions.Therefore, the U-shaped slot 720 has been designed so that the accessory700 may be tightly retained in the attachment mechanism 110 of the powertool when the accessory 700 is positioned at these angles. In theStarlock® power tools, the radially expandable legs 104 a, 104 b providemost of the axial retention of the accessory in the attachment mechanism110. The accessory 700 is most tightly retained if both of the radiallyexpandable legs 104 a, 104 b are able to engage the top wall 706 of theaccessory 700. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, by placing the attachment axis Aof the U-shaped slot 720 at an obtuse angle (e.g., approximately 120° to150°) relative to the working axis W, both legs 104 a, 104 b engage atleast a portion of the top wall 704 when the working axis W is alignedwith the tool axis X (FIG. 8A), at 90° counterclockwise from the toolaxis X (FIG. 8B), and at 90° clockwise from the tool axis X (FIG. 8C).In contrast, if the attachment axis A of the U-shaped slot was alignedwith the working axis W (as is common on existing oscillating toolaccessories), then one of the legs 104 b would not engage the top wall704 with the accessory 700 positioned in its most commonly usedposition, with the working axis W aligned with the power tool axis X.Thus, the angle of the attachment axis A of the U-shaped slot is acritical feature of the accessory 700.

Referring to FIG. 9, another embodiment of an oscillating accessory 900according to the present application includes a working end portion 902and an attachment portion 904, similar to the working end portion 702and the attachment portion 704 of the accessory 700 shown in FIGS.6A-8C. The working end portion 902 defines and extends along a workingend axis W2 and is configured to perform an operation on a workpiece.The attachment portion 904 is coupled to a rear end portion 903 of theworking end portion 902 and is configured to be coupled to all of thedifferent configurations of accessory attachment mechanisms on thebrands of oscillating power tools described above. Like the attachmentportion 704, the attachment portion 904 includes a top planar wall 906,a generally parallel bottom planar wall 908, and a peripheral wall 910that extends at least partially around the attachment portion 904between the top wall 906 and the bottom wall 908 and that forms at leasta portion of a polygonal shape. For example, peripheral wall 910includes a plurality of sidewalls 912 having a similar at leastpartially star shaped configuration as the side walls 712 of theperipheral wall 710. The top wall 906 defines a generally U-shapedopening 920, similar to the U-shaped opening 720, extending along anattachment portion axis A2 that is at an angle θ2 to the working endaxis W2 (e.g., an obtuse angle such as approximately 120° to 150°). Thetop wall 906 also defines a plurality of a radial openings 930comprising three radial arm slots 932 a-932 c (similar to radial armslots 732 a-732 c) in communication with and extending radially outwardfrom the U-shaped opening 920, and a second plurality of radial openings934 a-934 f (similar to radial openings 734 a-734 f) spaced radiallyfrom the central U-shaped opening 920.

The oscillating accessory 900 differs from the oscillating accessory 700insofar as the openings in the attachment portion 904 are a mirror imageof the openings in the attachment portion 704. In the attachment portion704, the attachment axis A extends at an angle θ in a clockwisedirection CW from the working axis W, while in the attachment portion904, the attachment axis A2 extends at an angle θ2 in a counterclockwisedirection CCW from the working axis W2. Similarly, in the attachmentportion 704, the radial arm slots 732 a-732 c and the second pluralityof openings 734 a-734 f are numbered consecutively in a counterclockwisedirection CCW from the working axis W, while in the attachment portion904, the radial arm slots 932 a-932 c and the second plurality ofopenings 934 a-934 f are numbered consecutively in a clockwise directionCW from the working axis W2.

Since the attachment portion 904 is simply a mirror image of theattachment portion 704, the accessory 900 is universal and can becoupled to all of the oscillating power tools, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5H,with the coupling being a mirror image of the couplings shown in FIGS.7A-7H. In addition, like the accessory 700, the accessory 900 may berotated and coupled to the power tools so that the working end axis W isat various other angles relative to the power tool axis X (e.g., thepower tools shown in FIGS. 5A-5D and 5H enable the accessory 900 to becoupled to the power tool at 30° increments, while the power tools shownin FIGS. 5E-5G enable the accessory 900 to be coupled to the power toolat 90° increments relative to the tool housing axis X). In addition,because the attachment axis A2 of the U-shaped slot 920 is at an obtuseangle (e.g., approximately 120° to 150°) relative to the working axisW2, the accessory 900 can be tightly retained in Starlock® brandedoscillating power tools when the working axis W2 is aligned with orperpendicular to the tool housing axis X, since both legs 104 a, 104 bof the power tool will engage at least a portion of the top wall 904 inthese positions, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C.

Referring to FIG. 10, another embodiment of an oscillating accessory1000 according to the present application includes a working end portion1002 and an attachment portion 1004, similar to the working end portion702 and the attachment portion 704 of the accessory 700 shown in FIGS.6A-8C. The working end portion 1002 defines and extends along a workingend axis W3 and is configured to perform an operation on a workpiece.The attachment portion 1004 is coupled to a rear end portion 1003 of theworking end portion 1002 and is configured to be coupled to a pluralityof different configurations of accessory attachment mechanisms on brandsof oscillating power tools described above. Like the attachment portion704, the attachment portion 1004 includes a top planar wall 1006, agenerally parallel bottom planar wall 1008, and a peripheral wall 1010that extends at least partially around the attachment portion 1004between the top wall 1006 and the bottom wall 1008 and that forms atleast a portion of a polygonal shape. For example, the peripheral wall1010 includes a plurality of sidewalls 1012 having a similar at leastpartially star shaped configuration as the side walls 712 of theperipheral wall 710. The top wall 1006 defines a generally U-shapedopening 1020, similar to the U-shaped opening 720, extending along anattachment portion axis A3 that is at an angle θ3 to the working endaxis W3 (e.g., an obtuse angle such as approximately 120° to 150°) in aclockwise direction CW from the working axis W3. The top wall 1006 alsodefines a plurality of a radial openings 1030 similar to radial openings730.

The oscillating accessory 1000 differs from the oscillating accessory700 insofar as all of the radial openings 1032 a-1032 i in the pluralityof radial openings 1030 are spaced radially from the central U-shapedopening 1020, similar to the second plurality of radial openings 734a-734 f in the accessory 700. None of the radial openings 1032 a-1032 iare in communication with the U-shaped opening 1020, in contrast to theradial arm slots 732 a-732 c in the accessory 700. The radial openings1032 a-1032 i are evenly spaced about a circumference of the top wall1006 (e.g., approximately every 30° about the top wall 1006), and arenumbered in a counterclockwise direction CCW from the working axis W3.

The accessory 1000 is somewhat less universal than the accessories 700,900 described above. The accessory 1000 can be coupled to theoscillating power tools shown in FIGS. 5A-5D because the radial openingscan receive the projections 78 a-78 h, 78 a′-78 h′, 400 a-400 d, and 212a-212 l of these power tools. The accessory 1000 also can be coupled tothe oscillating power tool shown in FIG. 5H because the U-shaped opening1020 can receive the legs 104 a, 104 b, and the star shaped peripheralwall 1010 can be received in the star-shaped wall 113 of the power tool.However, the accessory 1000 cannot be coupled to the oscillating powertools shown in FIGS. 5E-5G because none of the radial openings 1032a-1032 i are in communication with the U-shaped opening 1020 such thatthe radial openings 1032 a-1032 i cannot receive all of the radialprojections 328 a-328 d, 500 a-500 d, and 600 a-600 d. For the powertools shown in FIGS. 5A-5D and 5H, like the accessory 1000 may berotated and coupled to the power tools so that the working end axis W isat various other angles relative to the power tool axis X (e.g., the at30° increments). Finally, because the attachment axis A3 of the U-shapedslot 1020 is at a similar obtuse angle (e.g., approximately 120° to150°) as the attachment axis A relative to the working axis W3, theaccessory 1000 can be tightly retained in Starlock® branded oscillatingpower tools when the working axis W3 is aligned with or perpendicular tothe tool housing axis X, since both legs 104 a, 104 b of the power toolwill engage at least a portion of the top wall 1004 in these positions,as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C.

Referring to FIG. 11, another embodiment of an oscillating accessory1100 according to the present application includes a working end portion1102 and an attachment portion 1104, similar to the working end portion1002 and the attachment portion 1004 of the accessory 1000 shown in FIG.10. The working end portion 1102 defines and extends along a working endaxis W4 and is configured to perform an operation on a workpiece. Theattachment portion 1104 is coupled to a rear end portion 1103 of theworking end portion 1102 and is configured to be coupled to a pluralityof different configurations of accessory attachment mechanisms on brandsof oscillating power tools described above. Like the attachment portion1004, the attachment portion 1104 includes a top planar wall 1106, agenerally parallel bottom planar wall 1108, and a peripheral wall 1110that extends at least partially around the attachment portion 1104between the top wall 1106 and the bottom wall 1108 and that forms atleast a portion of a polygonal shape. For example, the peripheral wall1110 includes a plurality of sidewalls 1112 having a similar at leastpartially star shaped configuration as the side walls 1012 of theperipheral wall 1010. The top wall 1106 defines a generally U-shapedopening 1120, similar to the U-shaped opening 1020, extending along anattachment portion axis A4 that is at an angle θ4 to the working endaxis W4 (e.g., an obtuse angle such as approximately 120° to 150°) in acounterclockwise direction CCW from the working axis W4. The top wall1106 also defines a plurality of a radial openings 1130 that includeradial openings 1132 a-1132 i spaced radially from the central U-shapedopening 1120, similar to radial openings 1032 a-1032 i in the accessory1000.

The oscillating accessory 1100 differs from the oscillating accessory1000 insofar as the openings in the attachment portion 1104 are a mirrorimage of the openings in the attachment portion 1004. In the attachmentportion 1004, the attachment axis A3 extends at an angle θ3 in aclockwise direction CW from the working axis W3, while in the attachmentportion 1104, the attachment axis A4 extends at an angle θ4 in acounterclockwise direction CCW from the working axis W4. Similarly, inthe attachment portion 1004, the plurality of openings 1032 a-1032 i arenumbered consecutively in a counterclockwise direction CCW from theworking axis W3, while in the attachment portion 1104, the plurality ofopenings 1032 a-1032 i are numbered consecutively in a clockwisedirection CW from the working axis W4.

Since the attachment portion 1104 is simply a mirror image of theattachment portion 1004, the accessory 1100 is similarly somewhat lessuniversal than the accessories 700, 900 described above. The accessory1100 can be coupled to the oscillating power tools shown in FIGS. 5A-5Dbecause the radial openings can receive the projections 78 a-78 h, 78a′-78 h′, 400 a-400 d, and 212 a-212 l of these power tools. Theaccessory 1100 also can be coupled to the oscillating power tool shownin FIG. 5H because the U-shaped opening 1120 can receive the legs 104 a,104 b, and the star shaped peripheral wall 1110 can be received in thestar-shaped wall 113 of the power tool. However, the accessory 1100cannot be coupled to the oscillating power tools shown in FIGS. 5E-5Gbecause none of the radial openings 1132 a-1132 i are in communicationwith the U-shaped opening 1020 such that the radial openings 1132 a-1132i cannot receive all of the radial projections 328 a-328 d, 500 a-500 d,and 600 a-600 d. For the power tools shown in FIGS. 5A-5D and 5H, likethe accessory 1100 may be rotated and coupled to the power tools so thatthe working end axis W4 is at various other angles relative to the powertool axis X (e.g., the at 30° increments). Finally, because theattachment axis A4 of the U-shaped slot 1120 is at an obtuse angle(e.g., approximately 120° to 150°) relative to the working axis W4, theaccessory 1100 can be tightly retained in Starlock® branded oscillatingpower tools when the working axis W4 is aligned with or perpendicular tothe tool housing axis X, since both legs 104 a, 104 b of the power toolwill engage at least a portion of the top wall 1104 in these positions,as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, another embodiment of an oscillatingaccessory 1200 according to the present application includes a workingend portion 1202 and an attachment portion 1204, similar to the workingend portion 702 and the attachment portion 704 of the accessory 700shown in FIGS. 6A-8C. The working end portion 1202 defines and extendsalong a working end axis W5 and is configured to perform an operation ona workpiece. The attachment portion 1204 is coupled to a rear endportion 1203 of the working end portion 1202 and is configured to becoupled to all of the different configurations of accessory attachmentmechanisms on the brands of oscillating power tools described above.Like the attachment portion 704, the attachment portion 1204 includes atop planar wall 1206, a generally parallel bottom planar wall 1208, anda peripheral wall 1210 that extends at least partially around theattachment portion 1204 between the top wall 1206 and the bottom wall1208 and that forms at least a portion of a polygonal shape. The topwall 1206 defines a generally U-shaped opening 1220, similar to theU-shaped opening 720, extending along an attachment portion axis A5 thatis at an angle θ5 in a clockwise direction CW to the working end axis W5(e.g., an obtuse angle such as approximately 120° to 150°). The top wall1206 also defines a plurality of a radial openings comprising threeradial arm slots 1232 a-1232 c (similar to radial arm slots 732 a-732 c)in communication with and extending radially outward from the U-shapedopening 1220, and a second plurality of radial openings 1234 a-1234 f(similar to radial openings 734 a-734 f) spaced radially from thecentral U-shaped opening 1220.

For example, the peripheral wall 1210 includes a plurality of sidewalls1212, similar to sidewalls 712, which are angled relative to one anotherwith adjacent sidewalls joined at outer vertices 1214 and inner vertices1216 to form the portion of a star shape. For example, the sidewalls1212 may form a portion (e.g., at least 7 points or 9 points) of a 12point star shape. The top wall 1206 has a first gap 1226, similar to gap726, and the peripheral wall 1212 has a second gap 1227, similar to gap727, with the first gap 1226 having a first width w1 that is smallerthan a second width w2 of the second gap 1227, to enable clamping boltsof the aforementioned oscillating power tools to be inserted beneath thetop wall 1206 without removing the clamping bolt from the oscillatingpower tool. The oscillating accessory 1200 differs from the oscillatingaccessory 700 insofar as the sidewalls 1212 are not inclined inward fromthe bottom wall 1208 toward the top wall 1206 at an angle, but insteadare substantially perpendicular to both the top wall 1206 and the bottomwall 1208, as shown in FIG. 12B.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, another embodiment of an oscillatingaccessory 1300 according to the present application includes a workingend portion 1302 and an attachment portion 1304, similar to the workingend portion 1202 and the attachment portion 1204 of the accessory 1200shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. The working end portion 1302 defines andextends along a working end axis W6 and is configured to perform anoperation on a workpiece. The attachment portion 1304 is coupled to arear end portion 1303 of the working end portion 1302 and is configuredto be coupled to all of the different configurations of accessoryattachment mechanisms on the brands of oscillating power tools describedabove. Like the attachment portion 1204, the attachment portion 1304includes a top planar wall 1306, a generally parallel bottom planar wall1308, and a peripheral wall 1310 that extends at least partially aroundthe attachment portion 1304 between the top wall 1306 and the bottomwall 1308 and that forms at least a portion of a polygonal shape. Thetop wall 1306 defines a generally U-shaped opening 1320, similar to theU-shaped opening 1220, extending along an attachment portion axis A6that is at an angle θ6 in a counter-clockwise direction CCW to theworking end axis W6 (e.g., an obtuse angle such as approximately 120° to150°). The top wall 1306 also defines a plurality of a radial openingscomprising three radial arm slots 1332 a-1332 c (similar to radial armslots 1232 a-1232 c) in communication with and extending radiallyoutward from the U-shaped opening 1220, and a second plurality of radialopenings 1334 a-1334 f (similar to radial openings 1234 a-1234 f) spacedradially from the central U-shaped opening 1320.

For example, the peripheral wall 1310 includes a plurality of sidewalls1312, similar to sidewalls 1212, which are angled relative to oneanother with adjacent sidewalls joined at outer vertices 1314 and innervertices 1316 to form the portion of a star shape. For example, thesidewalls 1212 may form a portion (e.g., at least 7 points or 9 points)of a 12 point star shape. The top wall 1306 has a first gap 1326,similar to gap 1226, and the peripheral wall 1312 has a second gap 1327,similar to gap 1227, with the first gap 1326 having a first width w1that is smaller than a second width w2 of the second gap 1327, to enableclamping bolts of the aforementioned oscillating power tools to beinserted beneath the top wall 1306 without removing the clamping boltfrom the oscillating power tool. Like the sidewalls 1212, the sidewalls1312 are not inclined inward from the bottom wall 1308 toward the topwall 1306 at an angle, but instead are substantially perpendicular toboth the top wall 1306 and the bottom wall 1308, as shown in FIG. 13B.

The oscillating accessory 1300 differs from the oscillating accessory1200 insofar as the openings in the attachment portion 1304 are a mirrorimage of the openings in the attachment portion 1204. In the attachmentportion 1204, the attachment axis A5 extends at an angle θ in aclockwise direction CW from the working axis W, while in the attachmentportion 1304, the attachment axis A6 extends at an angle θ6 in acounterclockwise direction CCW from the working axis W6. Similarly, inthe attachment portion 1204, the radial arm slots 1232 a-1232 c and thesecond plurality of openings 1234 a-1234 f are numbered consecutively ina counterclockwise direction CCW from the working axis W5, while in theattachment portion 1304, the radial arm slots 1332 a-1332 c and thesecond plurality of openings 1334 a-1334 f are numbered consecutively ina clockwise direction CCW from the working axis W6.

Referring to FIG. 14, another embodiment of an oscillating accessory1400 according to the present application includes a working end portion1402 and an attachment portion 1404, similar to the working end portion1002 and the attachment portion 1004 of the accessory 700 shown in FIG.10. The working end portion 1402 defines and extends along a working endaxis W7 and is configured to perform an operation on a workpiece. Theattachment portion 1404 is coupled to a rear end portion 1403 of theworking end portion 1402 and is configured to be coupled to a pluralityof different configurations of accessory attachment mechanisms on brandsof oscillating power tools described above. Like the attachment portion1004, the attachment portion 1404 includes a top planar wall 1406, agenerally parallel bottom planar wall 1408, and a peripheral wall 1410that extends at least partially around the attachment portion 1404between the top wall 1406 and the bottom wall 1408 and that forms atleast a portion of a polygonal shape. The top wall 1406 defines agenerally U-shaped opening 1420, similar to the U-shaped opening 1020,extending along an attachment portion axis A7 that is at an angle θ7 tothe working end axis W7 (e.g., an obtuse angle such as approximately120° to 150°) in a clockwise direction CW from the working axis W7.

The top wall 1406 defines a plurality of a radial openings 1432 a-1432i, similar to radial openings 1032 a-1032 i, with all of the radialopenings 1432 a-1432 i spaced radially from the central U-shaped opening1420 and with none of the radial openings 1432 a-1432 i in communicationwith the U-shaped opening 1420. The radial openings 1432 a-1432 i areevenly spaced about a circumference of the top wall 1406 (e.g.,approximately every 30° about the top wall 1406), and are numbered in acounterclockwise direction CCW from the working axis W7.

For example, the peripheral wall 1410 includes a plurality of sidewalls1412, similar to sidewalls 1012, which are angled relative to oneanother with adjacent sidewalls joined at outer vertices 1414 and innervertices 1416 to form a portion of a star shape. For example, thesidewalls 1412 may form a portion (e.g., at least 7 points or 9 points)of a 12 point star shape. The top wall 1406 has a first gap 1426 and theperipheral wall 1412 has a second gap 1427 with the first gap 1426having a first width w1 that is smaller than a second width w2 of thesecond gap 1427, to enable clamping bolts of the aforementionedoscillating power tools to be inserted beneath the top wall 1206 withoutremoving the clamping bolt from the oscillating power tool. Theoscillating accessory 1400 differs from the oscillating accessory 1000insofar as the sidewalls 1412 are not inclined inward from the bottomwall 1408 toward the top wall 1406 at an angle, but instead aresubstantially perpendicular to both the top wall 1406 and the bottomwall 1408, as shown in FIG. 14B.

Like the accessory 1000, the accessory 1400 is somewhat less universalthan the accessories 700, 900, 1200, 1300 described above. The accessory1400 can be coupled to the oscillating power tools shown in FIGS. 5A-5Dbecause the radial openings 1432 a-1432 i can receive the projections 78a-78 h, 78 a′-78 h′, 400 a-400 d, and 212 a-212 l of these power tools.The accessory 1400 also can be coupled to the oscillating power toolshown in FIG. 5H because the U-shaped opening 1420 can receive the legs104 a, 104 b, and the at least partially star shaped peripheral wall1410 can be received in the star-shaped wall 113 of the power tool.However, the accessory 1400 cannot be coupled to the oscillating powertools shown in FIGS. 5E-5G because none of the radial openings 1432a-1432 i are in communication with the U-shaped opening 1420 such thatthe radial openings 1432 a-1432 i cannot receive all of the radialprojections 328 a-328 d, 500 a-500 d, and 600 a-600 d.

Referring to FIGS. 15A-15B, another embodiment of an oscillatingaccessory 1500 according to the present application includes a workingend portion 1502 and an attachment portion 1504, similar to the workingend portion 1402 and the attachment portion 1404 of the accessory 1400shown in FIG. 14. The working end portion 1502 defines and extends alonga working end axis W8 and is configured to perform an operation on aworkpiece. The attachment portion 1504 is coupled to a rear end portion1503 of the working end portion 1502 and is configured to be coupled toa plurality of different configurations of accessory attachmentmechanisms on brands of oscillating power tools described above. Likethe attachment portion 1404, the attachment portion 1504 includes a topplanar wall 1506, a generally parallel bottom planar wall 1508, and aperipheral wall 1510 that extends at least partially around theattachment portion 1504 between the top wall 1506 and the bottom wall1508 and that forms at least a portion of a polygonal shape. The topwall 1506 defines a generally U-shaped opening 1520, similar to theU-shaped opening 1420, extending along an attachment portion axis A8that is at an angle θ8 to the working end axis W8 (e.g., an obtuse anglesuch as approximately 120° to 150°) in a counterclockwise direction CCWfrom the working axis W8.

The top wall 1506 also defines a plurality of a radial openings 1530that include radial openings 1532 a-1532 i spaced radially from thecentral U-shaped opening 1520, similar to radial openings 1432 a-1432 iin the accessory 1400, with all of the radial openings 1532 a-1532 ispaced radially from the central U-shaped opening 1520 and with none ofthe radial openings 1532 a-1532 i in communication with the U-shapedopening 1520. The radial openings 1532 a-1532 i are evenly spaced abouta circumference of the top wall 1506 (e.g., approximately every 30°about the top wall 1406), and are numbered in a counterclockwisedirection CCW from the working axis W8.

For example, the peripheral wall 1510 includes a plurality of sidewalls1512, similar to sidewalls 1412, which are angled relative to oneanother with adjacent sidewalls joined at outer vertices 1514 and innervertices 1516 to form at least a portion of a star shape. For example,the sidewalls 1512 may form a portion (e.g., at least 7 points or 9points) of a 12 point star shape. The top wall 1506 has a first gap 1526and the peripheral wall 1512 has a second gap 1527, with the first gap1526 having a first width w1 that is smaller than a second width w2 ofthe second gap 1527, to enable clamping bolts of the aforementionedoscillating power tools to be inserted beneath the top wall 1506 withoutremoving the clamping bolt from the oscillating power tool. Theoscillating accessory 1500 differs from the oscillating accessory 1100insofar as the sidewalls 1512 are not inclined inward from the bottomwall 1508 toward the top wall 1506 at an angle, but instead aresubstantially perpendicular to both the top wall 1506 and the bottomwall 1508, as shown in FIG. 15B.

The oscillating accessory 1500 differs from the oscillating accessory1400 insofar as the openings in the attachment portion 1504 are a mirrorimage of the openings in the attachment portion 1404. In the attachmentportion 1404, the attachment axis A7 extends at an angle θ7 in aclockwise direction CW from the working axis W7, while in the attachmentportion 1504, the attachment axis A8 extends at an angle θ8 in acounterclockwise direction CCW from the working axis W8. Similarly, inthe attachment portion 1404, the plurality of openings 1432 a-1432 i arenumbered consecutively in a counterclockwise direction CCW from theworking axis W7, while in the attachment portion 1504, the plurality ofopenings 1532 a-1532 i are numbered consecutively in a clockwisedirection CW from the working axis W8.

Since the attachment portion 1504 is simply a mirror image of theattachment portion 1404, the accessory 1500 is similarly somewhat lessuniversal than the accessories 700, 900, 1200, 1300 described above. Theaccessory 1500 can be coupled to the oscillating power tools shown inFIGS. 5A-5D because the radial openings can receive the projections 78a-78 h, 78 a′-78 h′, 400 a-400 d, and 212 a-212 l of these power tools.The accessory 1500 also can be coupled to the oscillating power toolshown in FIG. 5H because the U-shaped opening 1520 can receive the legs104 a, 104 b, and the star shaped peripheral wall 1510 can be receivedin the star-shaped wall 113 of the power tool. However, the accessory1500 cannot be coupled to the oscillating power tools shown in FIGS.5E-5G because none of the radial openings 1532 a-1532 i are incommunication with the U-shaped opening 1520 such that the radialopenings 1532 a-1532 i cannot receive all of the radial projections 328a-328 d, 500 a-500 d, and 600 a-600 d.

Like the accessories 700, 900, 1000, and 1100, the accessories 1200,1300, 1400, and 1500 may be rotated and coupled to the power tools ofFIGS. 5A-5H at various other angles relative to the power tool axis X(e.g., at 30° increments or 90° increments). Also, because theattachment axes A5, A6, A7, and A8 of the U-shaped slots 1220, 1320,1420, and 1520 are each at an obtuse angle (e.g., approximately 120° to150°) relative to their respective working axis W5, W6, W7, and W8, theaccessories 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500 can be tightly retained inStarlock® branded oscillating power tools when the working axes W5, W6,W7, and W8 are aligned with or perpendicular to the tool housing axis X,since both legs 104 a, 104 b of the power tool will engage at least aportion of the top walls 1204, 1304, 1404, and 1504, as shown withrespect to accessory 700 in FIGS. 8A-8C.

Example embodiments have been provided so that this disclosure will bethorough, and to fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in theart. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples ofspecific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not beemployed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many differentforms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes,well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are notdescribed in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and“having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element orlayer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engagedto,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Otherwords used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments.

Terms of degree such as “generally,” “substantially,” “approximately,”and “about” may be used herein when describing the relative positions,sizes, dimensions, or values of various elements, components, regions,layers and/or sections. These terms mean that such relative positions,sizes, dimensions, or values are within the defined range or comparison(e.g., equal or close to equal) with sufficient precision as would beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art in the context of thevarious elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections beingdescribed.

Numerous modifications may be made to the exemplary implementationsdescribed above. These and other implementations are within the scope ofthe following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An accessory for coupling to an attachmentmechanism of an oscillating power tool, the accessory comprising: aworking end portion defining and extending along a working axis andconfigured to perform an operation on a workpiece; and an attachmentportion coupled to the working end portion, the attachment portionincluding: (a) a top wall; (b) a bottom wall spaced apart from the topwall; (c) a peripheral wall extending between the top wall and thebottom wall, partially around the top wall, to form at least a portionof a polygonal shape with a gap in the peripheral wall; (d) a centralopening defined in the top wall, the central opening extending along anattachment axis, having a central portion at a center of the attachmentportion, and open to the gap in the peripheral wall; and (e) a pluralityof radial openings defined in the top wall and arranged between thecentral opening and the peripheral wall, wherein the peripheral wall,the central opening, and the plurality of radial openings are configuredto couple the attachment portion to at least two differentconfigurations of accessory attachment mechanisms on different brands ofoscillating power tools.
 2. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the radialopenings extend in a direction radially outward from the centralportion.
 3. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the plurality of radialopenings are spaced equiangularly in a circumferential direction aroundthe central portion.
 4. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the pluralityof radial openings includes a first plurality of radial openings incommunication with the central portion of the central opening.
 5. Theaccessory of claim 4, wherein the first plurality of radial openingsincludes a first radial arm slot extending from the central portionalong the working axis, a second radial arm slot extending from thecentral opening at approximately 90° from the working axis, and a thirdradial arm slot extending from the central opening at approximately 180°from the working axis.
 6. The accessory of claim 5, wherein theplurality of radial openings further includes a second plurality ofradial openings not in communication with the central opening.
 7. Theaccessory of claim 6, wherein the second plurality of radial openingsincludes a first pair of radial openings spaced radially from thecentral portion and between the first and second radial arm slots, and asecond pair of radial openings spaced radially from the central portionand between the second and third radial arm slots.
 8. The accessory ofclaim 7, wherein the second plurality of openings further includes athird pair of radial openings spaced radially from the central portionbetween the first radial arm slot and the central opening.
 9. Theaccessory of claim 1, wherein the attachment axis is at an angle to theworking axis.
 10. The accessory of claim 9, wherein the angle is anobtuse angle.
 11. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the peripheral wallcomprises a plurality of sidewalls that form the at least a portion ofthe polygonal shape.
 12. The accessory of claim 11, wherein theplurality of sidewalls form at least a portion of a star shape, withadjacent sidewalls joined to form outer vertices and inner vertices ofthe at least a portion of the star shape.
 13. The accessory of claim 12,wherein each of outer vertices is aligned with one of the radialopenings.
 14. The accessory of claim 12, wherein the portion of a starshape comprises a portion of a 12-pointed star.
 15. The accessory ofclaim 1, wherein each sidewall is inclined inward from the bottom walltoward the top wall at an angle.
 16. The accessory of claim 1, whereinthe central opening is generally U-shaped.
 17. An accessory for couplingto an attachment mechanism of an oscillating power tool, the accessorycomprising: a working end portion defining and extending along a workingaxis and configured to perform an operation on a workpiece; and anattachment portion coupled to the working end portion, the attachmentportion including: (a) a top wall; (b) a bottom wall spaced apart fromthe top wall; (c) a peripheral wall extending between the top wall andthe bottom wall partially around the top wall with a gap in theperipheral wall, the peripheral wall having a plurality of sidewallsthat form at least a portion of a 12-point star shape, with adjacentsidewalls joined to form outer vertices and inner vertices of the atleast a portion of the 12-point star shape, with each sidewall inclinedinward from the bottom wall to the top wall; (d) a generally U-shapedcentral opening defined in the top wall, the central opening extendingalong an attachment axis, having a central portion at a center of theattachment portion, and open to the gap in the peripheral wall, whereinthe peripheral wall and the central opening are configured to couple theattachment portion to at least two different configurations of accessoryattachment mechanisms on different brands of oscillating power tools.18. The accessory of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of radialopenings defined in the top wall and arranged between the centralopening and the peripheral wall.
 19. The accessory of claim 18, whereinthe plurality of radial openings includes a first plurality of radialopenings in communication with the central portion of the centralopening.
 20. The accessory of claim 19, wherein the plurality of radialopenings includes a second plurality of radial openings not incommunication with the U-shaped opening.